Back during the 75-76 season I was a kid from Anchorage AK attempting to play Jr "A" in the WCHL. I had been trying out with the Calgary Centennials as a goaltender. I asked Joe Crozier if I could practice with the Cowboys to stay sharp; miraculously he consented. I sat right next to Don on the locker room bench.

If you played with Don that year, one thing you might remember is that in addition to smoking like a chimney, he didn't care much for practice. That may be why coach Crozier allowed me to work out with the team. On my second day of practice, Don saw that my worn Cooper goalie pads weren't up to snuff, telling me " Your going to get killed wearing those, try these!" He handed me a brand new pair of custom made Kenseky goalie pads. He also taught me secrets about playing angles that I would have never learned elsewhere.

I first got to see Don play in a real game with the Edmonton Oilers(pre-Gretzky). when the Coyboys took their first road trip. I quicky learned why he was regarded as a top-notch professional goaltender. Before I left Calgary back to Alaska, Don gave me his old set of Keneskys, which were still in great shape. I still have them to this day.

My times talking to Don while dressing for practices are memories that I will never forget. It was one of the most exciting periods of my life and I will never forget how gracious Don treated me. He was a great human being.

Played 2 seasons with Smoke in Calgary and rode daily together to the arena. One of the most intelligent players ever with an amazing grasp of the game. He had the absolute best sense of humor and wit ever. My kids know numerous Smokey stories of his wit. Condolences to all his loved ones.

He is a fond memory visiting West Springfield and Springfield MA during The Whale's time there, one of the best at playing the net angles God rest his soul and bless his family

Uncle Don,
If we ever needed advice all we had to do was to ask Dr. Don, Lawyer Don, Mechanic Don, Contractor Don, Electrician Don, Plumber Don & many more.
You loved sitting on our back deck with the animals for hours on end. They sure knew who was coming when that little car with no muffler was coming up the driveway and all the ears went up along with the commotion.
I remember the time when i was hauling furniture and came in to Calgary with 12,000 lbs. and you helped me unload. At the end there was 2 boxes left (1 big & 1 small). You said "to hell with this, he is setting me up" so you took the small box which was full of weights & i took the big box that had a lampshade. Gotcha!!!
Thank you for looking after our home during winter & any other time we went away. It was very comforting knowing that the animals and our home were in good hands.
We are going to miss you so much.
R.I P. Uncle Don

Jan & Gord Langevin

R.I.P old friend! I have just returned home I have been out of the country for the past month. I'm sure I speak for all of Smokey's old teammates when I say we will all miss him. For sure we all have a special memory or two that we will never forget on or off the ice. I first met Smokey in Edmonton at training camp for the Oil Kings he was my roommate at the WMCA. At that time he was the best goalie in junior hockey in the world. Bill Hunter the owner of the team was trying to sign Smokey for the year, nobody made any money in those days especially junior hockey players. Smokey new he had the upper hand and he new how to play it. Smokey negotiated a deal 4-5 times more than anytone else on the team plus he made him throw in 4 new winter tires for a signing bonus. Totally unheard off in those days he always palyed to win and he always wanted to challenge the best. Anyone who had the pleasure of being his teammate will all tell you of his amazing talent on the ice and how he conducted himself off the ice. I learned alot form him and thank him for that. When he worked for Hershey he would always call me when he was passing through Fernie and we would meet and chat about the old days, very special times in our lives. So sad to hear of his passing my heart and prayers go out to his family. R.I.P old friend! rest in piece!

Will miss you my friend. Many good times working and golfing together. Thanks for the many golf 'lessons'. Rest peacefully Smokey.

Uncle Don...you were my idol! You loved to tease me but, always had my best interest at heart. My first set of clubs. Taking me to play golf. Giving me tickets so my friends and I could watch the Blazers. I loved watching you play ball...i got to be the batboy. You were a natural born athlete, could do anything you put your mind to! Now Grammie and Grampie can watch you play ball and hockey again. So many great memories. R.I.P.

R.I.P Smoke-Stack.We had many laughs to-gether and great success on the ice.

Smoke was in a class of his own, he was the best at everything he put his hand too. Hockey, Golf, Cards, and selling Hershey Products. I am proud to call him a good friend and mentor.

I was extremely fortunate to have had the pleasure of working with Smokey at Hershey for a number of years. Smokey was the kindest, most caring, most sincere, and the funniest person I have ever met. I will always have such wonderful memories of him. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you.

One of Trail's greatest athletes, and a fine and gracious gentleman who always put his teammates first. More telling, perhaps, was that Don always had time to talk openly and honestly with members of the media. Thanks for the memories, Smokey!

As a 35 year resident of Port Coquitlam who also grew up in Trail, I will be mentioning Don's passing at the next meeting of Port Coquitlam City Council. My condolences go to his family.

A real legend who will be missed.

Mal Turner, formerly of Calgary, remembers Smokey McLeod as a "real hockey player, never got out of shape".....

R.I.P. SMOKEY GREAT PLAYING WITH YOU, HAVE GREAT MEMORIES

RIP Smokey! So many wonderful memories watching you play!